If a sailor falls overboard at sea, his best chance of rescue is being picked up by the boat he has fallen out of due to improved navigation which can guide the boat to him. This is just one example among 32 cutting-edge satellite navigation applications which will be demonstrated live during the ‘Galileo Application Days’ from 3rd to 5th March 2010 in Brussels. These applications will make life easier for farmers and port managers, assist visually impaired persons and those suffering from Alzheimer disease, strengthen the emergency aid and make outdoor and sport activities safer.

This three-day event aims to support developers of applications that can be based on the Galileo system by providing a platform for information sharing and creating networking opportunities. The exchange of ideas at the conference is expected to create an open debate on maximising the potential of Galileo through innovative ideas.

Satellite navigation applications can bring tangible benefits to people's lives. The 'Galileo Application Days' exhibition explains how systems up in space, perceived to be very remote, can be linked to simple everyday use. Some of the applications on display are already available today using EGNOS, but will be more effective once Galileo is in place due to the technological advantage of Galileo, while others are based on a simulation of the future Galileo signals and are therefore still experimental.

Satellite navigation innovations being showcased in Brussels include:

in the City area, Mobzili gives visitors information on shopping, restaurants and public transport schedules in the Village.

In the Road area, GSW gives visitors the opportunity to experiment with a driving speed adaptation application and to win a prize for operating within the speed limits.

In the Port area, Sci-Tech POB (Person Overboard System) shows how a boat can be guided to rescue a person that has fallen overboard.

In the Neighbourhood area, Inclusion shows visitors how satellite navigation information can help a person in a wheelchair overcome physical obstacles and increase his or her mobility;

In the Outdoor area, Close Search allows visitors to tour a search and rescue helicopter and to see how it can locate people lost in wilderness areas.